David Pead, 82, died at Queen’s Hospital on March 23 with sepsis after suffering extreme constipation, resulting in faecal impaction.
His family complained to East London Coroner’s Court that it was the second time he had been hospitalised with the condition and they feared it was a result of poor care at Romford Grange in Collier Row Lane.
“The reason for the death referral is that the family members had explained to the doctors that they had significant concerns about the standard of care provided to Mr Pead prior to his admission to hospital,” senior coroner Graeme Irvine told East London Coroner’s Court.
After a previous bout of faecal impaction, said Mr Irvine, Mr Pead reportedly returned to the care home and “developed exactly the same symptoms”.
On admission to Queen’s, “he was found to be septic” and had “an obstruction of the bowel”.
His condition deteriorated and he died.
A pathologist has since given his cause of death as intra-abdominal sepsis.
“The family submissions are compelling, but I must make it abundantly clear that this is a borderline case,” said Mr Irvine.
“Mr Pead’s condition that led to his death could feasibly be described as a natural cause of death.
“The family submission is that Mr Pead’s death was reversible. On the evidence at this stage, I do not accept that proposition at face value. I will have to investigate this further.
“Given those circumstances, I will open an inquest.”
The coroner ordered disclosure of evidence from Mr Pead’s GP, the hospital and the care home.
“If the home is undertaking an internal investigation, I will need to see that internal investigation report,” Mr Irvine said.
“The family criticised the home on the basis that the severe faecal impaction is preventable.”
He said he would also want to hear from the home about “what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence of this condition” in other residents.
The final inquest was scheduled for October 7.
Healthcare Homes, which runs Romford Grange, said: “Everyone at the home is greatly saddened by the passing of Mr Pead and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
“We will of course cooperate fully with the coroner and will assist his investigation to the best of our ability.
“It would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time whilst the coroner’s office is completing its enquiries.”
